36 weeks pregnant
36 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
How sweet the sound. Studies show that newborns prefer the sound of their mother's voice over other voices. Research has also found that newborns show a preference for a song that was played to them repeatedly while they were in the uterus. It's not too late to start: pick a time each day to play a beloved CD or tape, sing your favourite song or read your baby a story.
The incredible, shapeable skull. Your baby's head is specially designed to travel through your cervix and pelvis. The bones in your little one’s skull aren't fused together yet; this loose construction facilitates his or her trip down the birth canal without harming baby or you. These bones will gradually fuse over the first year of life.
36 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms
Step up the check-ups. Most healthcare providers will want to see you weekly starting at 36 weeks. Your provider will also check your blood pressure during each visit and make sure that your urine doesn't contain any protein. High blood pressure and protein in the urine are potential warning signs of pre-eclampsia, a condition of pregnancy that can be risky to you and the baby.
Living large. Your uterus is now one thousand times larger than its original volume and you’ve probably gained 11.3 to 13.6 kg (25 to 30 lb). But don’t worry: over the next four weeks, you'll probably only gain a few more pounds. In fact, many women gain nothing at all in their last month of pregnancy. Your uterus may not be the only thing expanding. Even if oedema (the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid) hasn't troubled you up until now, you may retain more fluid in the last month of pregnancy.
Take it easy now. Whenever you can, take a few minutes to rest with your feet elevated or lie on your left side. Both positions will increase circulation, getting the fluid in your extremities moving. A note of caution: reducing your fluid intake will not reduce oedema. You still need at least eight glasses of water each day to clear waste through the kidneys, move your bowels and keep your blood volume up.
Did you know? All systems are a “go”…except baby’s digestion. Because your little one has been nourished through the umbilical cord, the stomach and intestines have not yet been operational. The digestive system will get up to speed in the months after birth.
Quick tip for moms. Am I in labour? If you’re noticing an occasional tightening or “balling up” of your uterus, it’s probably Braxton-Hicks contractions. These “practice” contractions are pre-labour rehearsals for the real thing and will stop if you change position, drink fluids or take a warm bath.
36 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Keep singing, reading, and talking to your baby
Start scheduling weekly checkups with your doctor
Rest whenever you can, ideally with your feet elevated
Sign up for even more pregnancy tips
